flatsixforme

Now that's just funny...I don't care who you are!!!

mikestash

That's true. Didn't someone post a video recently (in the last week) with scenes of folks building a 993 in the factory. I remember a scene of a guy building an engine by hand and another of a guy rolling his hand over the fender to feel for imperfections.

Quick impressive.

rome

Why do 993's, though older, often sell for more $$ than newer 996's.


Personally, I don't think that one is "better" than the other because what is better is a personal choice.

But, I can say that the 993's remain highly desirable (seemingly even more so than the newer 996's based on market prices) because of the following factors, among others:

1. Supply and demand. 993's were not mass produced to nearly the same degree as the 996's. (Search and you can find the figures).

2. Better styling. It is no secret that Porsche tried to recapture the 993 styling in the 997.

3. Last of the aircooled engines. The 993, and its engine in particular, represents the culmination, and high-water mark, of 30 years of development of perhaps the world's most iconic sports car-- the 911. That means a lot to some people and they are willing to pay a premium for it.

4. 911 DNA/Nostalgia-- Slip into the cockpit of a 1960's vintage 911 and in will be familar to the 993 cockpit. Many love this connection to the past, and the race oriented feel of the 993 interior. Sitting in a 996 feels completely different and you would not necessarily know you are in a "911" except for the crest on the steering wheel.

5. Impression that the 993 was (at least to some meaningful degree) hand-made. Others have posted a little about this.

Check out some of the videos in this link about the 993 which were release by Porsche when it was new. It will give you an idea about what went into these cars and what the fuss is (i.e. continues to be) all about. http://www.coochas.com/porsche/911vids.html (Or better yet, go for a drive, as some have suggested)

Peter B

I think you mean high-oil mark. The only water in mine is in the windscreen washer bottle!

max911

993 = Zippo Lighter
996 = Bic lighter

scargo70

I hope i dont offend anyone but in terms of lineage; the 996 is to the 993, what the 911 is to the 356...different cars on a similar theme..rear engined sport car. So in that light, Porsche has had three distinct generations:
1. 356
2. 911
3. 996/997
I have a 1970 911s and now a 98 C2S and i drove them back to back this weekend...you can see the connection quite clearly.
But really at the end of the day it is all about personal preferences....and what you can afford or want to afford....

Ed Burdell

993 = Beatles
996 = Monkees

For the record, I listen to both.

rome

Right!

The 997 is the high water-mark, at least until the 998 comes out.

brucec59

Originally Posted by Dan V
Here's a simple matrix I devised which illustrates the difference between 993 & 996:

993 - Ted Nugent
996 - Barry Manilow
The 993 was not meant to be something for everyone, but everything to someone...

DC from Cape Cod

If i had a brand new 997S, my current 993C2S and a single garage, the 997S would sit out in the driveway.

Ray S

Naturally, it rains a lot there and the 993 is more likely to rust.....

jk, I couldn't resist

FLYT993

Go here...www.coochas.com and find the following 993 video

"The Latest Evolution", watch it, and you'll have your answer.

zicoramone

I love the 993 but never had one because of the cancer that affected this particular type, aka sunroof, specially the TT that was the model I ever wanted. Never find one in good shape without the damn hole. However I look at the 993 as a classic car. IMO The 996 it is by far superior in every fields and only looses on the aesthetics's (except the 996 4S and the GT's). Standard 993 are slow and heavy though...like Oprah I guess. The 993 RS was a flop and we have to look at the 993 GT2 to get a proper lightweight car.

f8vr993

993=Jessica Alba
996=Britney Spears

Some people used to think BS was hot! well, do you still?
JA will always... anytime, anywhere.
Go drive both and you will know which one you WANT!

VGM911

For a thorough assessment of the 993 vs. the 996, read the 996 road test in the August 1998 issue of Excellence magazine. Additional contributions to the article came from Hurley Haywood.

Here are some points in the article that identify some of the major improvements made by Porsche in the new model as well as impressions of the testers.

"The 993 lacks the poise and balance of the new 996. And it's a lot less comfortable to drive. My head feels pressed against the glass of the old upright windshield, and the floor-mounted clutch and brake pedals preclude heel and toeing."

"The longer wheelbase (up 3") and widened track (up 2") of the 996 optimize the rear-engined platform. The quantum improvement from 993 to 996 far exceeds the wampum leap Porsche made from the Carrera 2 to the 993."

"The laden ground clearance of the 996 is 1" less than that of the 993, effectively lowering the new 911's center of gravity."

"The gearchange is so much better than anything Porsche has done before...."

"Significantly, the new 3.4 liter motor is not only 26 hp more powerful than the old one (despite being 200 cc smaller) but it is also 110 pounds lighter than the old lump."


I do agree with a previous poster that you should drive both a 993 and a 996. They are very different in many ways, and you should choose the one you like best. As far a "mass produced" or "which one is better made," you'll likely be rewarded by the ownership experience no matter which one you buy.

Good luck.